Widmer Brothers Toasts 40 Years with a Nostalgic Pour: “40 Years of Cheers”
There’s an old saying that you can’t have “cheers” without “beers”—and Widmer Brothers is taking that to heart as they raise a glass to four decades of craft brewing on the West Coast. The iconic Portland brewery is marking its 40th anniversary with a celebration that’s both nostalgic and delightfully refreshing: “40 Years of Cheers.”
This isn’t just a party—it’s a trip down memory lane, with the brewery reopening its vault to resurrect fan-favorite brews from its rich and pioneering history.
🍺 Back from the Brew Vault
The heart of this campaign lies in a clever concept: choosing one standout beer from each of the four decades Widmer Brothers has been in business and bringing it back for a limited-time encore. The goal? To give long-time fans a chance to reunite with beloved classics—and to let newer craft beer lovers experience the beers that helped shape Widmer’s legacy.
Kicking things off is a fitting choice: an altbier, the very first beer Widmer Brothers ever brewed. It’s a smooth, German-style ale that nods to the brewery’s roots while offering a malt-forward, balanced flavor profile that still stands up in today’s hop-happy market. Whether you were there at the beginning or you’re just discovering it now, this altbier is a toast-worthy way to begin the celebration.
📍 A Portland Pioneer
Founded in 1984, Widmer Brothers helped define the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement. Known for pushing boundaries and staying true to traditional brewing methods, the brewery quickly earned a loyal following—especially with the launch of its flagship Hefeweizen, which practically became the unofficial beer of Portland.
But the brewery hasn’t just been about one beer. Over the decades, it’s dabbled in everything from experimental IPAs to rich porters, always staying rooted in craftsmanship while embracing innovation. That’s why this “40 Years of Cheers” campaign resonates—it’s not just about the beer, it’s about the legacy.
🕰️ A Brew for Every Decade
The altbier may be the first release in the lineup, but it’s just the beginning. Over the coming months, Widmer Brothers will unveil three more blasts from the past—each handpicked to represent a signature flavor and moment from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. For beer nerds and casual sippers alike, this is a rare chance to taste through time and experience the evolution of a brewery that’s played a huge role in shaping American craft beer culture.
🍻 40 Years of Cheers — More Than Just a Tagline
The slogan “40 Years of Cheers” isn’t just clever marketing—it reflects the community Widmer Brothers has built over the decades. From their early days delivering kegs in a van around Portland, to their rise as one of the most recognized names in American brewing, their story has always been about bringing people together around a pint.
So whether you’re enjoying a throwback beer at a Portland taproom or picking up a limited-release six-pack at your local bottle shop, you’re taking part in something much bigger—a celebration of flavor, history, and the people who helped build a craft beer revolution.
Raise your glass to 40 years of innovation, dedication, and really good beer. Cheers to Widmer Brothers—for the beers we loved, the ones we forgot, and the ones we’re about to rediscover.
